Multi-point tissue tension distribution device and method, a chin lift variation

Abstract

A tissue approximation device and processes for using the device are provided. The device is an implantable, biodegradable construct that has attachment points emanating from a supportive backing. The device improves the mechanical phase of wound healing and optimally distributes tension over the contact area between the device and tissue. Processes for using the device include soft tissue attachment and soft tissue to bone attachment. Several variations are particularly applicable to facilitating tissue approximation in surgical cosmetic applications, particularly chin lifts. Generally, tissue to be lifted may be set on a chin lift device via attachment points before or after the device is secured to a patient's bone. Variations of the device are described along with a method of installing the chin lift device. Also described is a tool particularly useful for installing a chin lift device.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An implantable tissue approximation system, comprising:
 a) a non-resilient and curved supportive backing; 
 b) a plurality of attachment points extending from the backing in a canted manner, wherein the attachment points are adapted to distribute a load over the backing; and 
 c) an anchoring region integral with the backing and comprising a bone engagement post. 
 
     
     
       2. The tissue approximation system of  claim 1  wherein the backing comprises a shape selected from the group consisting of trapezoids, triangles, circles, and ovals. 
     
     
       3. The tissue approximation system of  claim 1  wherein the backing comprises an isosceles trapezoidal shape. 
     
     
       4. The tissue approximation system of  claim 1  wherein the backing defines at least one hole therethrough. 
     
     
       5. The tissue approximation system of  claim 1  wherein the device comprises a material selected from the group consisting of biodegradable and biological materials. 
     
     
       6. The tissue approximation system of  claim 5  wherein the biodegradable material comprises a polymer or copolymer. 
     
     
       7. The tissue approximation system of  claim 6  wherein the polymer or copolymer comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of polyglycolide, polylactide, poly-.alpha.-caprolactone, polydiaxanone, polyglyconate, polylactide-co-glycolide, their mixtures, alloys, and random and block copolymers. 
     
     
       8. The tissue approximation system of  claim 5  wherein the biological material comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of collagen, hydroxyapatite from natural sources, hydroxyapatite from synthetic sources, bone graft, and any polymerized versions thereof. 
     
     
       9. The tissue approximation system of  claim 1  wherein the post defines a cavity at least partially therein. 
     
     
       10. The tissue approximation system of  claim 1  further comprising a chin augmentation implant adjacent to the backing. 
     
     
       11. The tissue approximation system of  claim 1  further comprising a tool adapted to deploy an implantable tissue approximation device. 
     
     
       12. The tissue approximation system of  claim 11  wherein the tool comprises an elongate handle and an attachment post positioned at a distal end of the handle, the attachment post being at least partially threaded and adapted for engagement with the implantable tissue approximation device. 
     
     
       13. A method of tissue approximation in a chin-lift surgical procedure comprising:
 a) securing an implantable tissue approximation device to bone having a curved surface, the approximation device comprising a supportive, curved, and non-resilient backing; a plurality of attachment points extending from the backing in a canted manner, wherein the attachment points are adapted to distribute a load over the backing; and an anchoring region integral with the backing and having a bone engagement post used for the securing of the implantable tissue approximation device to bone; 
 b) mobilizing tissue or layer of tissue to be approximated towards the approximation device; and 
 c) setting the tissue or layer of tissue onto the approximation device. 
 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 13  wherein securing the implantable tissue approximation device in the step a) comprises deploying the device via an elongate tool temporarily attached to the device. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 13  wherein the tissue or layer of tissue in the step c) is set on the approximation device via the plurality of attachment points. 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 13  farther comprising a preliminary step of cutting the tissue or layer of tissue by a predetermined length. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 16  wherein the tissue or layer of tissue in the step b) is mobilized by the predetermined length.